Symptoms of Epilepsy

Epilepsy
seizures
differ in their severity and can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some seizures can be mild and last only a minute or two. Other seizures cause intense symptoms that last much longer. Acute, repetitive seizures can result in damage to the heart or brain, and possibly death if emergency treatment is not given right away.

There are many different ways of classifying seizures. Examples include:

Partial or Focal Seizures

These seizures begin from just one part of the brain. Symptoms include:

Tingling or numbness sensations in the arms, legs, hands, or feet

Muscle twitching of one side of a limb, hand, finger, or muscle

Experiencing smells, tastes, sights, sounds, or other sensations that are not real

Unusual, repetitive, uncontrolled motions or movements, such as chewing movements or smacking of the lips

The term Jacksonian march implies that the symptoms spread from one part of the body to another.
Focal onset seizures can become generalized. This means that they spread to both sides of the brain.

Generalized Convulsive (Grand Mal) Seizures

These seizures begin from both sides of the brain. Symptoms include:

Unconsciousness

Loss of urinary or bowel control

Muscle spasms or stiffening of the muscles

Drop attacks

Unusual, repetitive, uncontrolled motions or movements

Biting of tongue

Prior to the convulsions:

Feeling of unusual warning, such as the smell of burning rubber

After convulsions:

Deep sleep, drowsiness, confusion, or altered responsiveness

Awakening with headache

Awakening with no memory of the seizure

General Seizures Without Convulsions

One type of generalized seizure without convulsions is known as absence, also called petit mal, seizures. This type is more common in children. Symptoms include:

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.